TOP Can the Bioeconomy Deliver Solutions for the Global Microplastic Problem?

Release of microplastics into the environment is a topic of major concern

Plastic particles can be found in air, soil, rivers and lakes, and especially in the marine environment. Plastic particles with a diameter smaller than 5 mm are referred to as microplastics. The release of microplastics into the environment is a topic of major concern. The United Nations, national governments, environmental agencies, non-governmental organisations and many more interested parties are looking for solutions.

Can the substitution of conventional materials with biodegradable and bio-based materials be a possible solution for certain applications when the release of plastic into the environment cannot be avoided?

Showcasing solutions

Companies from all over the world will showcase their biodegradable and bio-based solutions at the upcoming international conference Microplastic in the Environment – Sources, Impacts & Solutions, Maternushaus, Cologne, Germany, 23 – 24 November 2015.

At the conference the concept of biodegradation of bio-based plastics in contrast to the fragmentation of non-biodegradable plastics and oxo-fragmentable plastics will be introduced in detail. Furthermore, it will be discussed which standards and labels are available for biodegradable plastics in different environments.

Christian Bonten (University of Stuttgart, DE) will discuss the degradation of plastics. Jan Ravenstijn (Jan Ravenstijn Consulting, NL) will speak about the functionality and application of biodegradable and bio-based plastics. Bruno de Wilde (OWS, BE) will give scientific evidence on the degradation of bio-based plastics in different environments. Labelling of marine biodegradable products will be presented by Petra Michiels (OK compost Vinçotte, BE).